IF YOU GO

WHERE TO STAY:

We stayed on the Upper West Side. To reach Shoelace Park in the Bronx, take the No. 2 train to 219th St.

Hotel Excelsior

45 W. 81st St., Manhattan excelsiorhotelny.com European- style hotel in a landmark building across from the American Museum of Natural History.

Days Inn Hotel New York CityBroadway

215 W. 94th St., Manhattan daysinn.com Around the corner from the No. 2 train.

WHERE TO EAT:

Isabella’s

359 Columbus Ave., Manhattan isabellas.com Mediterranean cuisine in popular neighbourhood establishment across the street from the American Museum of Natural History. Reservations recommended.

Indian Tanpura

564 Amsterdam Ave., Manhattan indiantanpuranyc.com Only eight tables in this tiny res- taurant catering to a neighbourhood crowd.

Amsterdam Ale House NYC

340 Amsterdam Ave. No. 1, Manhattan amsterdamalehousenyc.com A boisterous bar and restaurant with 31 draft beers to choose from. Pub fare.

WHAT TO DO:

Bronx River Alliance

1 Bronx River Pkwy. bronxriver.org The Bronx River Alliance offers canoe and kayak outings on the Bronx River most weekends from May through early November. The upper river run goes from the Shoelace Park Boat Launch to the Bronx Zoo, about six km. The estuary starts at Concrete Plant Park and covers the last six km of the river to its mouth. Occasionally, a full- river ( 13- km) run in the Bronx is offered. All of these runs cost $ 30 per person; the Alliance provides canoes or kayaks and life vests. Check the website for dates. Note that spaces fill fast.

INFORMATION:

nycgo.com